PNG Grade 10 Exams Start As Cheating Warning Issued

A total of 84,596 Grade 10 students have commenced their national examinations in PNG, beginning a busy three-week examination period for students in Grades 8, 10 and 12.

Candidates from 547 high and secondary schools began sitting their papers on October 5, with the Grade 10 examinations scheduled to finish on Friday.

Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra said schools had confirmed their nominated candidates through the Online Student Information Booklets System before the examinations began.

For candidates in the National Capital District, marking will start after the first paper is completed.

PNG Grade 10 Exams Start As Cheating Warning Issued

Dr Kombra said answer scripts from the last examination would be checked and subsequently sent to provincial centres, allowing markers around the country to follow the same standards.

Security arrangements have been strengthened, with the Department working alongside provincial administrations, police and other security personnel to protect the examination process.

Authorities have also prepared contingency measures in case natural disasters or other unexpected events disrupt examination activities.

Dr Kombra has issued a strong warning against cheating, paper leaks and other forms of examination malpractice.

Students involved could lose certification, while teachers may face termination. Schools found breaching examination rules could also be prevented from participating in national examinations for a minimum of three years.

“We have eliminated cheating in examinations. Results are now based on hard work and offer better education benchmarks,” Dr Kombra said.

He appealed to parents and guardians to support students by providing a calm place for study and making sure candidates arrive at examination venues before the scheduled starting time.

Anyone with information about examination malpractice or leaked papers has been encouraged to notify the Department of Education.

The next group will be Grade 12 students, with 37,430 candidates from 250 secondary schools, including seven National Schools of Excellence, due to sit their examinations from October 12 to 16.

Grade 12 scripts will be marked in Port Moresby between October 18 and 29.

Meanwhile, 157,500 Grade 8 students from 3,815 primary schools will sit their national examinations from October 19 to 22, followed by provincial marking.

The combined number of candidates nominated for the 2026 examinations across Grades 8, 10 and 12 stands at 279,526.